In the villages near the **Hwange National Park** in **Zimbabwe**, living alongside elephants is part of daily life, which is why they decided to **put them under control**. More and more, these animals are invading rural areas in search of water and food, destroying crops and structures. The **drought** and **climate change** worsen this situation.
To prevent tragedies, a **GPS collar system** was implemented to **track elephants in real-time**. When herds approach inhabited areas, an alert network is activated to warn villagers. The alert comes via WhatsApp or in person, thanks to volunteers like Capon Sibanda.
The increase in incidents forced authorities to take drastic measures. Between January and April, 18 people died from attacks by wild animals, and **over 150 “problematic” specimens were culled, including elephants**. The country has an estimated population of 100,000 elephants, double its ecological capacity.
Rural communities feel the pressure of this imbalance. The ravaged crops and constant risk fuel a **growing debate about increasing hunting quotas** or implementing more effective methods to protect residents without harming the animals.
## Technology in the Service of Elephant Conservation
The **EarthRanger** platform allows authorities to **track the movement of elephants**, record damages, and respond more quickly to emergencies. It also tracks community guards who act as intermediaries between herds and people.
Thanks to this data, **resources are distributed where they are most needed**, and more precise interventions are planned. Although the system only covers a small part of the elephant population, it offers **a promising model to reduce conflicts**.
However, **overpopulation remains a challenge**. Hwange Park has a capacity for about 15,000 elephants but houses over 45,000. The pressure on the ecosystem is intense, and communities demand concrete solutions that include direct benefits.
The placement of GPS collars, although complex, **allows monitoring of herds led by matriarchs**. This scientific tracking could be key to achieving a fairer balance between conservation and the well-being of those who share their lives with these giants.
